Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Muzzleloader Hunting => Topic started by: jwroberts on March 20, 2009, 09:40:36 PM
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So I got lucky this year and got drawn for the multi season tag for elk. I have not shot a muzzle loader before and thought this might be a good opportunity to try one out. I know I can look in the regs to see what is legal but I am looking for ideas for the simplest thing to use, legal, and moderately priced in case I just don't enjoy it. I have been archery hunting for the last couple of years and am prepared to wait for a good shot so I don't have to have the most impressive gun that will shoot long distances. Thanks for the help
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I did the same thing last year. My partner and I bought Knight Bighorn inline muzzleloaders in SS. Neither of us even had to adjust the sights. They were dialed in right out of the box. Think we both paid under $400.00. He got the camo stock and I got the black stock. His cost a little more than mine.
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My brother and I both have Knight Muzzleloaders, he has a Wolverine and I have a Bighorn. I cant find anything WRONG with either of them. Like the breeching system on the Bighorn better, and we swapped a Bighorn breechplug for the Wolverine one after carefully measuring things. the Wolverine had a large screwdriver slot while the Bighorn has a hex drive...with the Bighorn one does not have to remove the nipple prior to pulling the breechplug. I run with #11 caps, my brother uses Musket caps, we are both using Pyrodex Pellets while he uses a Knight 260 grain sabot slug and i use a 348 grain Powerbelt.
As for your situation, get a GOOD one like the Knight and if you dont like it you have the best resale value.
Warning...its a bit addicting.
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You said "the simplest thing to use." In that case, the traditional sidelocks are much simpler, in my opinion. I have Lyman Deerstalker like this one:
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000156033185
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You said "the simplest thing to use." In that case, the traditional sidelocks are much simpler, in my opinion. I have Lyman Deerstalker like this one:
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000156033185
I couldnt agree more side locks are pretty damned simple!
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I have the T/C Black Diamond very easy to operate as well. With the removable breech you never half to extract bullets or fire it, if you dont shoot it. I just bought another one at the gun show today in great shape for $150.00. They had sevral there today under $200.00 a couple Knights and a couple T/Cs.
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Muzzleman,
Were was the gun show? Just got back in town from the coast. Did you by chance see any of the Winchester X-150's (discontinued) while you were there.
Thanks, Greg.
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thanks for the ideas so far. do you guys have a rough estimate as to what it costs for all the other "stuff", besides the gun, you need to be set up?
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I have a couple but I'd have to agree the TC Black Diamond is hard to beat! Both I have were right on out of the box and are simple to use and clean. IMO I would get an inline before any of the old sidelocks (no offence guys) they are just as easy to use and more accurate and more versitile, You can use max loads if you wish and add a scope to hunt in Firearm restriction areas or out of state. Two of my buds have Knights so you can't really go wrong there either!
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Sorry for the last post jwroberts didn't mean to go off couse. I do not know much about the sidelocks, but all the above rifles would be great choices. The best switch I ever made so far personly for hunting was to black powder.
Best, Greg.
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Hey Greg
It was in puyallup at the fair grounds. The next gun show is in Monroe April 4 & 5 I don't know where in Monroe I havent been to that one. And the next one in Puyallup is April 25 & 26 At the fair grounds. These show are put on by the Washington Arms Collectors. To purchase a gun there you must join which is like $40 and they do a simple background check on ya. I did not see any Winchesters. I hope this helps.
Jeff
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Why would they do a background for a m/l?
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To buy any wepon there, weather you call a muzzleloader a wepon or not it is all lumped together. Most all transactions are heres money heres weapon. But there are some gun shops there that you must pay sales tax and do paperwork. All new gun purchases you need your WAC card and your CPL to purchase same day. I myself allways look for the non gun shop people and give cash get gun, even though I do have a CPL.
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any advice on what to look out for when buying a used one
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Well Kinda tough. I guess its like buying any gun. I was looking for a Knight Bighorn, but I saw the BD and the guy was kind enough to let me take out the breech plug, and look down the barrel. Once I saw the barrel was in great shape I bought it. I saw a t/c thunderhawk as well looked nice but I had nothing to look down the barrel with because it doesnt have a removable breech, plus I had no flashlight. All actions at the shows are zip tied so you cant see what it does. You can generally tell about a gun when you get a visual of it. Any one else have any tips for buying a used muzzleloader? I hope I was of some help.
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Once you go muzz you never go back.
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I would get a TC black diamond in stainless. They shoot great, are simple, and affordable. You may want to swap out the sights. Many people don't like them, including myself. This doesn't cost much at all. I just did it for around $30.
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Gun show at mason county fairgrounds next weekend
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I don't know where your located. The best deal I could find for a Knight Bighorn last year was down at Bob's Sporting goods in Longview. Definitely worth the drive.
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x 2 on the TC stainless inlines. TC really knows how to dumb things down and keep it very simple. Few parts, great warranty, and you can find a good used one for 100 and change, so you can buy it and keep it 'just in case' without feeling bad if it ends up sitting for a few years.
Other items? There's not much more you NEED, but it's all the little gadgets you will WANT- kinda like fishing or archery- ton's of extras out there. I think most places have starter kits with the basics for $30 or so.
